I was talking third quarter when it was Lee/Kobe man on man and Kobe went 0-6. And was so frustrated that he started throwing elbows.

Even then you could tell perimeter defenders were slacking off their guys taking away the drive and allowing Lee to get up closer to Kobe. If Kobe trusts his teammates the Magic would have to change but he is too stubborn or distrusting of his teammates to do it.

meh. I wouldnt take so much credit away from Lee. He played him as good as you can. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt. But there was a difference between Lee and Pietrus' defense today. Lee gave him fits. I couldnt be happier w/ their effort.

He missed two free throws the game before the shot against Cleveland that would have won the series.

“I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
-MJ

People tend to confuse resiliency for never failing in Jordan's case.

Great game by the Magic, loved that dunk by Lee. I'm glad this isn't a bad series like last year.

The guy has no class, but he tells it like it is and I can appreciate that. I only like him sometimes, hate him sometimes. I definitely don't love him, but he's better than a lot of other guys out there and that's the truth.

If I am the Lakers I am still confident going into next game because the Magic barely won the game shooting an amazing percentage.

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunTzu_22

Just let it go RWO.
We as Ravens fans are clearly scum of the earth, and should just be happy that these great people, who cheer for nothing than the finest, morally impeccable players, playing on the finest, most morally impeccable teams, will grace us with their presence, and words of wisdom.

That's what everyone is saying but, I wouldnt buy into that too much. Considering the Lakers also shot the hell outta the ball. Every game is different from game to game. Orlando could have won last game, struggling all 1st half.

Each game has been very different, but the biggest difference between winning this game and losing last game was Free Throws at the end.

Last game's problem was turnovers by far. Plus they didnt start playing something that resembled their game until the 2nd half. Tonight's game was pretty much the first one the real team showed up to. Granted they wont shoot like that all the time, I mean from a tempo/pacing/scheming stand point. You watch the tempo of this team in the first two, compared to tonight, you'd think you were looking at two different teams.

Last game's problem was turnovers by far. Plus they didnt start playing something that resembled their game until the 2nd half. Tonight's game was pretty much the first one the real team showed up to. Granted they wont shoot like that all the time, I mean from a tempo/pacing/scheming stand point. You watch the tempo of this team in the first two, compared to tonight, you'd think you were looking at two different teams.

Not saying TO's weren't the problem last game, and I know we cut down on them today, but there were still plenty enough mistakes on our part. Rebounding was also a problem today. But what was noticeable to me was the fact that we nailed our FTs in the 4th quarter today, when we didn't on Sunday.

ORLANDO -- There is good and bad to the bright lights of the NBA Finals -- even for a relatively unknown backup center like Marcin Gortat of the Orlando Magic.

Gortat, in just his second NBA season, and the only player in the league from Poland, becomes a restricted free agent this summer. He has helped himself immensely with consistent performances during this playoff run, attracting attention from other teams around the league.

He also received an uncomfortable phone call last weekend from Reebok, with whom he has a shoe contract. Representatives of the company were not happy to see a picture of him from Game 1 in a Polish newspaper that prominently displayed his Michael Jordan/Nike logo tattoo on his lower right leg.

Reebok asked him either to wear higher socks tonight to cover up the tattoo, or to apply makeup so it will not be noticed through the rest of the NBA Finals.

"They called and said I had to do something about it, but that ain't going to happen,'' Gortat said after Tuesday morning's workout.

Gortat tattoo"I've been wearing it 4-5 years now, and it helped me get to the NBA," said Gortat. "They didn't say anything about it when I signed the contract, so it's not going anywhere. I don't think they are paying me enough to take it off.''

Gortat would not say how much his Reebok contract is worth beyond the shoes he is provided to wear, but he said it was minimal compared to what the stars of the league receive.

"I've heard from other people that even other players, if they don't know my name, they know I'm the big white guy with the Jordan tattoo,'' he said. "I like that. Reebok will have to get used to that.''